October 12, 2000
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today deplored the escalating violence in the
West Bank and Gaza, including the killing of Israeli soldiers in Ramallah:
"Canadians are deeply concerned by the escalating tension and
mounting loss of life in the region and call on both parties to exercise
strong and decisive leadership to put a stop to hostilities. I urge both
Israelis and Palestinians to act with the utmost restraint to end the
current cycle of violence and allow authorities to return to the negotiating
table as soon as possible.
I call on them not to let the events of the past few weeks undo all the
progress they have made toward a just and lasting peace – the peace for
which both Israelis and Palestinians -- indeed the entire world -- hope and
pray.
Canada welcomes the continued efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan,
the United States and Egypt to reinvigorate the peace process. And we are
ready to use our good relations with the parties to advance this vital
process in any way we can."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
